Sure, Christie would have to keep the nastiness and name-calling in check, but Gerson says the big guy could steer the GOP back to the center: “… [W]ho else in the Republican Party combines a tea party tone with a relatively moderate public record? What other choice would cause Republicans to pray for 10 vice presidential debates?”

Christie going mano-a-mano with Vice President Joseph Biden might be interesting. You can bet there will be blood.

According to Gerson, Christie also possesses the “peculiar” skill set required of a veep, involving the “relentless attacks on the opposing party’s presidential nominee and effective advocacy of a policy agenda that isn’t your own. It is simultaneously pit bull and lap dog.”

Local lawmakers and other officials might readily agree with the pit bull analogy. Christie has left visible bite marks, not to mention a warm stream of something less than affection, on those he disagrees with.

But lap dog? It’s hard to imagine a cuddly Christie looking up adoringly at Romney, tail wagging and pink tongue hanging off the side, awash with drool.

Share your views: Do you think Gov. Chris Christie would make a good vice presidential candidate for Mitt Romney? Why or why not?

Christie, as everyone in New Jersey knows, is definitely off the leash.